HC Deb 12 June 1979 vol 968 cc214-5
4. Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to speed up the return of his Department's land to civilian use.

16. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to make available land and houses, superfluous to his Department's use, to civilian use by local authorities.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Barney Hayhoe)

The Services need sufficient land to meet their operational, training and housing needs but we shall continue to release land and property as soon as it is clear that it is not required for defence purposes. I am carrying out a thorough examination of the scope for speeding-up this process. The disposal of surplus land etc., is of course the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.

Mr. Bennett

In view of the enthusiasm of the Conservative Party for selling off national assets, will the Minister speed up the return of land of outstanding natural beauty at Lulworth Cove, Dartmoor and in the Pembrokeshire area to farmers and for recreational use?

Mr. Hayhoe

We shall be considering all the possibilities for disposal of land and this review will take place as soon as possible.

Mr. Dalyell

Will it be before the end of July?

Mr. Hayhoe

I cannot give an undertaking as to time because, as the hon. Gentleman knows, this is a substantial matter. We would like to do it thoroughly and properly.